Panic disorder is different from normal fear and anxiety reactions to stressful events in our lives. Anxiety problem is a serious condition that strikes without reason or warning.

2. Panic disorder is different from the normal fear and anxiety
reactions to stressful events in our lives. Panic disorder is a
serious condition that strikes without reason or warning.
Symptoms of panic disorder include sudden attacks of fear and
nervousness, as well as physical symptoms such as sweating
and a racing heart. During a panic attack, the fear response is
out of proportion for the situation, which often is not
threatening. Over time, a person with panic disorder develops
a constant fear of having another panic attack, which can affect
daily functioning and general quality of life.

3.  Family history: Panic disorder has
been shown to run in families. It may
be passed on to some people by one
or both parent(s) much like hair or
eye color can.
 Abnormalities in the brain: Panic
disorder may be caused by problems
in parts of the brain.
 Substance abuse: Abuse of drugs
and alcohol can contribute to panic
disorder.
 Major life stress: Stressful events
and major life transitions, such as the
death of a loved one, can trigger
panic disorder.

4. HOW COMMON IS PANIC DISORDER?
Panic disorder affects about 2.4 million adult Americans. Panic
disorder most often begins during late adolescence and early
adulthood. It is twice as common in women as in men.

5. SYMPTOMS OF A PANIC ATTACK, WHICH OFTEN LAST
ABOUT 10 MINUTES, INCLUDE:
 Difficulty breathing.
 Pounding heart or chest
pain.
 Intense feeling of dread.
 Sensation of choking or
smothering.
 Dizziness or feeling faint.
 Trembling or shaking.
 Sweating
 Nausea or stomachache.
 Tingling or numbness in the
fingers and toes.
 Chills or hot flashes.
 A fear that you are losing
control or are about to die.

7. HOW IS PANIC DISORDER DIAGNOSED?
 If symptoms of panic disorder are present, the doctor will begin an
evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical exam.
Although there are no lab tests to specifically diagnose panic disorder, the
doctor may use various tests to look for physical illness as the cause of
symptoms.
 If no physical illness is found, you may be referred to a psychiatrist or
psychologist, mental health professionals who are specially trained to
diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Psychiatrists and psychologists use
specially designed interview and assessment tools to evaluate a person
for panic disorder.